Together, we’re building something beautiful
– Beata Lutaba
When I first joined CCIS, I was simply looking for help—trying to get my credentials recognized and find work. I had come from Poland with a master’s degree in social work, but like many newcomers, I had to start over. I knew I wanted to work with people, especially those navigating the same challenges I had faced.
Eventually, I found my calling in what was then called the Host Program. What makes this work so well is the human connection—between volunteers and newcomers. But matching them isn’t just about logistics. It’s about understanding personalities, values, and lived experiences.
We have real conversations with volunteers to know them better. One volunteer told me, “I love working with young children,” so we matched her with a refugee family with toddlers. Another said, “I enjoy the outdoors,” and we paired her with a family eager to explore Calgary and the mountains.
One of the most touching matches I remember was a young woman, pregnant and alone in a new country. We found a volunteer who was a mother herself. She not only supported the newcomer emotionally but was even present in the delivery room when the baby was born. That level of trust speaks volumes.
We invest deeply in understanding both sides. We sit with every refugee family, learning their stories, hopes, and fears. Then, we find someone who can walk alongside them—not just help but empower.
One volunteer told me, “If Mohammed won’t come to the mountain, the mountain will come to Mohammed.” She worked with a particularly challenging family member who was resistant to change. Today, that family is thriving—the wife has a great job, and the children are excelling in school. That’s the power of patience and perseverance.
It’s easy to want to do everything for someone struggling, but our goal is independence. Volunteers learn to support without taking over. It’s a delicate balance, but when done right, it transforms lives.
I’ve seen volunteers become extended family. And I’ve seen the ripple effect—volunteers sharing their experiences with friends, coworkers, neighbours. Integration isn’t just about the newcomer—it’s about all of us.
Every time I witness a successful match, I feel like wings are growing on my back. I know that the family is in safe hands.
And I know that, together, we’re building something beautiful.